Nestably stacking container with outer sleeve

ABSTRACT

A container which is nestably stackle with a similar container, the container comprising:  
     a base;  
     an inner wall extending from the base and defining an upper lip of the container;  
     an outer wall adjacent to the inner wall of the said container, extending from the lip in the direction of the base so as to define the outer protective sleeve;  
     a series of grip rings spaced, starting from the bottom edge of the protective sleeve.

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to a nestably stackable container with outer protective sleeve with supporting grip. Many products are sold or distributed in disposable containers, such as cups. Often the product being hot or icy cold can directly affect the holder of the cup, allowing discomfort and possible injury.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention seeks to overcome or alleviate this problem by providing a container which may be nestably stacked and which provides an outer protective sleeve, which acts as a buffer between affected cup and the holder.

[0003] Accordingly, there is provided a container which may be nestably stacked with a similar container, said container having a lip and a base; a protecting outer sleeve attached at the lip of the container to provide a buffer between the cup and the outer sleeve, said sleeve having series of rings located spaced from the bottom edge of the sleeve, extending around the sleeve diameter, acting as grip to prevent the container either slipping or falling whilst in use.

[0004] In a particularly preferred version of the container the base has a raised portion to allow for more stability and to alleviate the problem of hot or icy cold product adversely affecting any supporting surface.

[0005] The lip of the container is to protrude in such a way that it provides the user with ergonomic resting on the lip and provide interlocking of the nestably stackable containers.

[0006] To assist in the further understanding of the invention, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings. These drawings show a preferred embodiment only and are not to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of the container as a stackable variation of the invention.

[0008]FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a cup in accordance with the invention.

[0009]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a cup filled with hot product in accordance with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] FIGS. 1-3 show the preferred embodiments as described in the summary of the invention.

[0011] The preferred invention shown in the drawings also includes a cup 1 having a base 2, an inner wall 3, an outer sleeve 4 with grip rings 5 and an ergonomic lip 6. 

I claim:
 1. A container which is nestably stackable with a similar container, the container comprising: a base, an inner wall extending from the base and defining an upper lip of the container, an outer wall adjacent to the inner wall of the said container, extending from the lip in the direction of the base so as to define the outer protective sleeve, a series of grip rings spaced, starting from the bottom edge of the protective sleeve, an ergonomic lip atop the container.
 2. A container is claimed in claim 1 wherein the base, inner wall, lip and outer sleeve are joined together to form one complete item.
 3. A container is claimed in claim 2 wherein the base has a raised portion to allow more stability and to alleviate staining and/or damage to supporting surfaces.
 4. A container is claimed in claim 2 wherein the transition between the inner wall and outer sleeve forms an ergonomic lip.
 5. A container is claimed in claim 2 wherein the outer sleeve has grip rings located and spaced in an upward direction from the lower edge.
 6. A container is claimed in claim 4 wherein the ergonomic lip provides an interlocking connection when said containers are nestably stacked.
 7. A container which is nestably stackable with a similar container, the container comprising: a base, an inner wall extending from the base and defining an upper lip of the container, an outer wall adjacent to the inner wall of the said container, extending from the lip in the direction of the base so as to define the outer protective sleeve, a series of grip rings spaced, starting from the bottom edge of the protective sleeve, an ergonomic lip atop the container.
 8. A container is claimed in claim 7 wherein the base, inner wall, lip and outer sleeve are joined together to form one complete item.
 9. A container is claimed in claim 8 wherein the base has a raised portion to allow more stability and to alleviate staining and/or damage to supporting surfaces.
 10. A container is claimed in claim 7 wherein the transition between the inner wall and outer sleeve forms an ergonomic lip.
 11. A container is claimed in claim 7 wherein the outer sleeve has grip rings located and spaced in an upward direction from the lower edge.
 12. A container is claimed in claim 10 wherein the ergonomic lip provides an interlocking connection when said containers are nestably stacked. 